Republican lobbyist to lead atheist group

[dmallind]

4. Don't know her, not much invested in the SCA, but there's potential here theoretically

Atheism isone of those things like equal marriage and choice that is associated with liberalism as if it were 1:1. Obviously there is a fairly strong correlation in reality, but just like the liberal Christians here go to great lengths to show that not all believers are reactionary conservatives, atheists need to do the same in reverse, and I say this even though as an atheist I personally have far more traditionally "liberal" views than the alternative (albeit less doctrinaire - or consistently left if you prefer - than many DUers).

But as I said today in the A/A group I DO feel atheist groups spend too much effort and focus on ancilliary issues, albeit almost always "good" issues from my POV. Choice is a vital cause, but NARAL doesn't march with us against taxpayer funded religious displays. Equal marriage is a basic right, but HRC doesn't file amicus briefs against enforced school observances. Why then do atheist groups often play on their home fields, not as individuals who agree but as the atheist group?

Most of my problem here is with dilution of focus on the raison d'etre if organized secularism - resisting theocracy per se. But part is that I don't think activist groups should repel potential members who may disagree about other issues. HRC does not exclude Baptists does it by taking a stand on sola scriptura? Why should atheists exclude Republicans by taking a stand on politics? Sure we'll not attract many right wingers and sure we'll keep fewer, but as far as the goals of organized atheism are concerned I don't give a toss if the person campaigning next to me against establishment is also against choice or equal rights. I care about those issues sure, but not to the point of exclusion of all others. How many here talk about fundy family or friends? If absolute purity of association were vital we should have none such who are not shunned. Why should atheism be different? Why should we shun right wing members?